U0128

Lost Communication With Park Brake Control Module

Q: Is it safe to drive with U0128?

You can usually drive, but the electronic parking brake may not work on demand and could be stuck. If it won't release, don't force driving; if it won't apply, chock the wheels when parked on a grade until it's fixed.

Q: Can I just clear U0128?

It clears, but returns if there's a wiring, power, or module fault. Because it affects the parking brake, diagnose the cause rather than just clearing it.

Communication network (CAN bus) Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

U0128 means another module has stopped receiving messages from the park brake control module — the unit that operates the electronic parking brake. The vehicle still drives, but the EPB may not apply or release on command and can be stuck engaged or disengaged, which is a safety concern. It usually traces to wiring, connector, power/ground, or bus faults at the module, or a failed module.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Usually yes — the engine runs and the vehicle drives, but the electronic parking brake may not apply or release on demand, and could be stuck engaged or disengaged; treat that as a safety concern.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

187

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of U0128 scans

U0100in 40.6% of scans

U0121in 39.6% of scans

U0155in 34.2% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Electronic parking brake (EPB) warning light or 'service park brake' message
Parking brake won't apply or release electronically, or is stuck in one state
Auto-hold or hill-hold features disabled
Other modules logging lost-communication codes for the park brake module

Common causes

Most likely first

Wiring or connector fault at the park brake control module (opens, corrosion, damage)Likely
Loss of power or ground to the moduleCommon
CAN bus wiring fault on the branch feeding the moduleCommon
Water intrusion at the module or connector (often mounted low/rear)Less often
Failed park brake control moduleLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Scan all modules to confirm the park brake module is the one offline.
Check power and ground at the module connector with the key on.
Inspect the module wiring and connector for corrosion, damage, or moisture.
Test CAN bus continuity between the module and the network.
If wiring and supply are good, the module is likely failed — replace and program as needed, then re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with U0128?+

You can usually drive, but the electronic parking brake may not work on demand and could be stuck. If it won't release, don't force driving; if it won't apply, chock the wheels when parked on a grade until it's fixed.

Can I just clear U0128?+

It clears, but returns if there's a wiring, power, or module fault. Because it affects the parking brake, diagnose the cause rather than just clearing it.

Read & clear U0128 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX